The Association has developed the Alumni Achievement Award to recognize those for outstanding service and contributions to the Northern Lights Council Camps over an extended period of time.
Each year, nominations are solicited through the Aurora and are available from the Alumni Achievement committee chair or other officers of The Association. Anyone can make a nomination by completing the Nomination For Alumni Achievement Award form and sending it to the Alumni Achievement Award Chair by June 15th of each year.
Previous recipients of the award are as follows:
Bev Segerholm (August 24,1996):
Bev served as the Council Administrative assistant for summer camp operations from 1976 to 2001. For several years, she was the main person to develop all of the promotional materials for the camps. She put in countless hours working behind the scenes in the council office progressing summer camp operations. She was a friend to all unit leaders and worked with them to make it possible for every Scout that wanted to go to camp to have that opportunity. (Gardener, ND)
Ernie Harlow (July 1999):
Ernie retired from his full time job and took up a new voluntary career working on maintaining camp equipment. Ernie served as a Scout leader throughout most of his life. Much of the quartermaster equipment and tent maintenance performed over the years was a direct result of Ernie’s efforts. Ernie passed away on March 26, 2004 at the age of 79. (Park River, ND)
Ron Jackson (August 1999):
Ron’s primary passion was for the camp telephone and communication systems. Ron maintained the system every spring and would resolve problems as they came up throughout the year. Ron served on many committees that progressed the efforts of Camp Wilderness. He inspired many behind-the-scenes people to take initiative and get involved with the camps. (Moorhead, MN)
Phil Schorn (October 2000):
Originally from the out-of-council, Phil came to Camp Wilderness as a full-time Ranger. Phil served as ranger from November 1990 to November 2000. Phil not only served the position of Ranger maintaining and improving the camp facilities, but he also served as one who made people feel welcome at camp. Phil’s natural way of interacting with people made him an ambassador for camp. (Park Rapids, MN)
Mike Melby (July 2001):
Mike has an undying love for service. One of the many roles that Mike has served over the years is his role in the Fall Fellowship. He organizes and coordinates the work of hundreds of volunteers on an annual basis. He has also secured many equipment and dollar donations to the scouting program. (Grand Forks, ND)
Ron Schneider (October 2002):
Throughout the late 80’s, the 90’s and still today, Ron has served a vital role in setting the vision for the future of the Northern Lights Camps. His dedication to seeing that the vision was transformed into dollars and into equipment, facilities and programs will be unmatched for years to come. (Moorhead, MN)
Wally Heinle (2003):
Wally served as a volunteer second ranger for Metigoshe Scout Reservation. He performed the majority of the work in re-modeling the commissary into a dining hall and spent countless hours doing behind the scenes activities to make the scouting program better for the scouts. Wally died in 2003 the summer after receiving the Alumni Achievement Award. (Minot, ND)
Steve Shark (2004):
Steve has served scouting for more than 36 years in several councils. His responsibilities have ranged from Vice District Chairman-Camping to Scoutmaster, to Scouting for Food Chair. Over his scouting career, Steve served as an advocate for the Northern Lights Camps by providing equipment essential for a summer camp. Steve solicited funding from many companies as an active fundraiser for the supplies. When funding was not available, Steve found a way – sometimes funding the equipment himself. Steve continues to serve the youth of today. (Fargo, ND)
Tom Hall (2005):
Tom has been virtually on Call” for Camp Wilderness. Over the past 30 years, he has helped with literally hundreds of projects ranging from electrical work, construction, as a notary, and as the camp’s locksmith. Tom has literally re-keyed the entire camp on more than one occasion and is always willing to help out with just a simple phone call. Tom has served as a Scoutmaster for over 28 years and has over thirty-six eagle scouts. Tom always has a positive attitude and input towards the program. (Moorhead, MN)
Leo Ehrmantraut (2005):
Leo has directed the restoration of Heart Butte Scout Reservation. His efforts have ranged from installation of metal roof on the main lodge to roofing shelters, replacing the water distribution system, to replacing the well, installation of a shower building, fire rings, toilet rebuilding, picnic table restoration and toilet vaults. He has taken the camp from what was to a vibrant and alive camp which is used for area scouting events such as Junior Achievement training, wood badge, camporees, cub scout outings, and conclaves. (Dickinson, ND)
Roger Smart (2006)
Roger Smart was recognized as receiving the Alumni Achievement award during the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Camp Wilderness. Roger Smart has been a part of the Northern Lights Council Camps for many decades and his countless hours of behind the scenes activities have been the foundation of many projects of camp including the new Cub Camp facilities. (Fargo, ND)
The American Legion East Grand Forks Post 157 (2006):
The American Legion East Grand Forks Post 157 has been a silent partner in several projects and programs that directly affect the Scouts of camp. (East Grand Forks, MN)
Les Herbranson (2007):
Les is a man with a variety of helpful skills that he has quietly contributed to Camp Wilderness since 1957. Les has worked on buildings and equipment from one end of camp to the other, during events such as work weekends, fall fellowships, OA conclaves, Summer Commissioner, Winter Campmaster, and troop events (213, 214, 232). Les also brought back to life some video footage of camp from the 1940. In fact given Les’s longevity of service, he may have more hours in as a volunteer, than anyone in the history of camp. (Fargo, ND)
Phil Blomquist (2008):
In total, Phil served 18 years as ranger of the camp. Phil managed activities in camp year round. He prepared buildings for troops in the winter, plowed roads, and welcomed troops and other organizations for spring and fall activities. In the 18 years that Phil was at Metigoshe, the camp was maintained to perfection. Every building, road, and campsite was in perfect condition even during hard times in the council when money was not available. Phil found a way to gather materials and maintain a high standard. Both directly and indirectly, Phil Blomquist affected the lives of every scout, scouter, volunteer, or visitor to Metigoshe Scout Reservation during his time as ranger. Today, Phil continues to provide valuable historical information regarding staff members and a vital part of the history of the Northern Lights Camp. (Grafton, ND)
Art Heinze (2008):
Art’s dedication and unwavering support of Camp Wilderness has been an inspiration to Scouts, camp staff and unit leaders over many years. Art is always willing to take on difficult projects without hesitation. When not lending a hand in other ways, Art can be found in the dining hall or at campfire entertaining scouts and Scouts with his harmonica. Art is an inspirational person. He is one whose actions are contagious, and we are all better because of him. (Thief River Falls, MN)
Chris Soper (2009):
For over 20 years, Chris has been integral to the operation and support of Camp Wilderness. His contributions started as a scout and later served in several capacities on camp staff. Chris has fervently supported the camp financially. Chris’s name can be found in several areas of camp. There are other places that it should be found, but he did not want it that way. Despite living in Kansas, Chris manages to come up to camp to serve for a full week every summer and he has done so for years, serving as a role model for staff and scouts alike. Chris was presented his award at Camp Wilderness on July 2, 2009. (Lenexa, KS)
Herb Seaver (2010):
Herb Seaver has been in Scouting for over 40 years. Herb has started and supervised many projects at Camp Wilderness. Some of these include the roof of the dining hall pavilion, the rebuilding of the waterfront staircase, remodeling of several cabins and the construction of several campsite shelters. In addition, Herb was very involved in the Silver Beaver cabin project. Camp Wilderness is a better place because of Herb’s efforts.(Larimore, ND)
Moe Logging (2010):
For more than a decade, Moe Logging has supported the progression of new programs throughout camp. The impacts of Moe Logging can be seen from the moment one enters camp. Moe Logging has spent hours over many seasons grading the main cap road prior to summer camp. The Cub Scout sledding hill and the cross country ski trail system were cleared by Moe Logging. Moe Logging cleared the new campfire ring and the new main road to the waterfront and North end of camp. The Log Pavilion logs were cut and transported logs thanks to Moe Logging. Moe Logging has also helped with program log demonstrations during the Wilderness Romp. (Bemidji, MN)
Chad Swenson (2011):
For nearly 35 years, Chad has been impacting the Northern Lights Camps in a positive way. Chad works in all aspects of betterment for the Camps. From being a long time staff member, to pounding nails, to fundraising, Chad has been involved in it all. Chad is a visionary who inspires himself and others to make constant improvements to the camps. Chad is one of the few in the Council who have worked at Heart Butte, Metigoshe and Wilderness. (Fargo, ND)
Fisher Family (2011):
For many years, the fisher family has served the Northern Lights Council Camps in many ways. Jim and Bev Fisher raised three Eagle Scouts, all of whom served on summer camp staff in various positions from Commissioner Aide to Camp Director. All of them left a lasting mark on hundreds of Scouts, Scouters, and visitors to the Northern Lights Camps. The family has supported the Thief River Boy Scout program on many levels from direct troop leadership and participation, to indirect support of district activities and events. Beyond Scouting, the Fisher family has touched the life of their community. The Fisher family and Fisher Electric reach out to the community of Thief River falls in ways too numerous to describe. There are few buildings on the grounds of Camp Wilderness that have not been touched by the Fisher family in some way. Fisher Electric has donated numerous amounts of labor and materials to support projects at camp. (Thief River Falls, MN)
Ron Elliot (2012):
Ron is one of the Northern Light Council’s most active adult scouters. He is the Troop Committee Chairman for Troop 130 (Grand Forks) and is active in the troop’s camping programs. At the District level, Ron is always active in District Program planning and attends nearly all of the scout functions of the District. He is part of the District Training team and has been the Chairman for training sessions at both the District level and the Council level. He has evolved with the District Roundtable training sessions for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. His participation in the District scout recruiting events leads to a vibrant Cub Scout program throughout the District. He has been active in nearly all the coordinated work weekends at Camp Wilderness and enjoys the Fellowship weekends in the late fall. One program that is closest to Ron’s heart is the Council Religious Program. Each year, Ron volunteers to be a Chaplain for Camp Wilderness at both the Butler Outpost Cub Camp and Camp Wilderness Boy Scout camps. Ron is truly a valued asset for the Scouting Program. (Grand Forks, ND)
Norm Vanderpan (2013):
Norm is an ardent supporter of projects and programs at Camp Wilderness. He has been a Cub Master, a District Committee member, a Unit Commissioner in the Lake Agassiz District as well as at camp during the summer camping sessions. He has been a team member for the renovation crews for several cabins at Camp Wilderness which includes the Silver Beaver Lodge. He was also instrumental in the construction of several shelters in the campsites and the construction of the new rifle range. Norm has been a Cub Master, District Committee Camping Committee member, Unit Commissioner, District Roundtable Staff, District Advancement Committee member and a District Contingent Scoutmaster for a Philmont Scout Ranch Trek. Norm has also been recognized with a Webelos Training Award Knot, the Cub and Boy Scout Training Knot and the Silver Beaver Award. (Grand Forks, ND)
Jeff Brown (2014):
Jeff has been involved in Camp Wilderness since he joined Dilworth Troop 652 in the late 1960’s. Jeff is an: Eagle Scout, OA member, member of the council’s Properties Committee and served as chairman of the Alumni Association. “Since his retirement, he has more time to donate to Camp Wilderness. You may find Jeff helping with registration for an event, washing dishes or emptying garbage cans, teaching a DNR firearms safety class or whatever job can use his help. He is quick to spot where help is needed, and quick to pitch in. (Perham, MN)
Simonson Lumber and Hardware (2014):
Simonson of Grand Forks, ND has donated materials to Scout projects since 1977. The initial donations were for patrol boxes, tables and benches for the 1977 National Jamboree. Since that time, they have donated to numerous projects to include: pinewood derby tracks, Cub Day Camp projects, Wood Badge, Eagle projects, Camp Wilderness carpet ball tables, and the list goes on and on. “Thank you to Simonson Lumber and Hardware Company for 37 years of donations. This helped dozens of Scouts to enjoy their Scouting experience. (Grand Forks, ND)
Darryl Wehner (2015):
Darryl became a volunteer Scouting in 1995 when his son went to Camp Wilderness. He has missed very few summer camps, even though his son has grown up and himself become a Scouter. He is always willing to work on numerous projects throughout camp. He has served on the National Jamboree staff numerous times. He served as ASM for Troop 1032. Closer to his home, he has spent countless days at Heart Butte Camp as a trainer and volunteer. Darryl has built many of the shelters and buildings at the camp, although his favorite project is the water well and water distribution system. Were it not for Darryl and other volunteers like him, Heart Butte Scout Camp would only be a memory now. (Dickinson, ND)
Darrell “Krafty” Kraft (2015):
Krafty has been a huge supporter of Scouting throughout the council and has left a lasting impression on many of the camps. He has been a volunteer for Troop 416 as an ASM and SM for over 15 years. He has crafted many beautiful signs for the council’s camps and for National Jamborees. His dedication to working the council’s camps was never more evident than during the floods, in the Minot area, in 2011. In spite of his own home being overtaken by the flood, Krafty diligently supervised Big 4 Camp and was able to assist with the recovery and rebuilding process. He is the “go to” guy at Big 4 as the volunteer Ranger. (Minot, ND)
Dan Smith/SmithCo. (2015)
Needs writeup (Fargo, ND)
John Feick (2016)
John Feick was a central figure in the revitalizing of Camp Wilderness. As the council’s Program Director, he led the way to the growth of the camp’s programs, facilities and staffing. His love of fishing was evident in the development of the camp’s fishing program and the considerable donations he secured. He was persistent and successful in developing a vision for camp and he assisted in growing it into the highly successful capital campaign of the 1990’s. (Springfield, MO)
Bob Rezac (2017)
Bob has been a long-time promoter and supporter of the camps. For at least ten years he was a volunteer Commissioner at Camp Wilderness during Summer Camp. He also supported the Winter Camp program by volunteering as Campmaster for at least ten years. Over the years at organized weekends and on his own with his family, he has worked on projects to improve camp and maintain cabins and property. For four years as a Venturing Advisor, he and Crew 696 made multiple trips to Camp Wilderness to clean and wax the VCT floors in all the buildings throughout the camp that had them. That job alone represented a determination on Bob’s part to preserve the property for long term use. Bob proposed and helped to implement the History Trail project, researched and wrote the stories for each designated historical spot, helped to install and maintain the signpost. He has spent a significant amount of time obtaining and organizing items for display in the History Center. His efforts to assist in maintaining and cataloging the ongoing and changing displays at the History Center has been a continuing and noteworthy contribution of time and talent. Most recently, Bob has proposed the idea of the Alumni Association obtaining funding for their projects by working at the Fargo Dome. For the past 4 years he has faithfully worked 98% of the 60 events that they have signed up for’ also acting as stand manager and liaison with the Fargo Dome management to choose events and diligently called Alumni members for staffing. (It is noteworthy that around $30,000 has been raised through this project with Bob in the leadership role.) I think you will agree the Bob is a worthy nominee to be a recipient of this award. (Sabin, MN)
Brad Olson (2018)
Brad Olson’s influence, at all of the NLC camps, is clearly evident even today. During his time as a seasonal and full time professional Scouter with the NLC, from the early 1990’s thru 2016, he served in a variety of influential roles for all of the camps. During his tenure, the camps grew to what they have become still today. For nearly two decades, he was the ‘face’ of the camping program. He helped lead the development of many of the camp’s programs and the construction of the Butler Wilderness Outpost Cub Camp. (Bemidji, MN)
Neil Litton (2019)
Neil is an Eagle Scout from Wahpeton who was involved with the troop, Order of the Arrow, and Camp Wilderness. Neil has worked as Quartermaster and Wrangler at Camp Wabaunaquat and Camp Wilderness. After college he worked with the Casselton troop for many years and brought Scouts up to Camp Wilderness for Summer Camp. Neil has helped out with numerous work weekends and projects to count. When the Friends of Wilderness was started Neil was one of the first members and participated in organizing the 35th Anniversary of Camp Wilderness. When the Alumni Association was started taking over from the Friends of Wilderness organization Neil was very supportive and took over the Open House event held over the Fourth of July week where the parents of the Camp Staff are invited to see their Scout in action. He continues to participate in the role today. When the Association was working at the FargoDome to raise money for the Association and the Scholarship Fund Neil was there to help and assisted in recruiting others to help. Neil has actively supported Camp Wilderness ever since he was a Scout – a legacy as his Dad was there as a Scout in 1946. (Fargo, ND)
GF Silver Beaver Colony (2019)
The Silver Beaver Colony started in 1974 in the Lake Agassiz Council by four people. It later changed to the Lake Agassiz District. When the Silver Beaver Colony celebrated 25 years; an article was put in the Scouting magazine about the colony. The article told of the history of what has been done to support Camps Wabaunaquat and Oak Island. Most of the work was done on the shore line. The Colony has been active for more than 50 years doing a lot of work at Camp Wabaunaquat, Oak Island and Camp Wilderness. The Colony furnished material for the new swimming dock, bought three canoes, a boat, and fishing rods for Wabauaquaat. The Colony also did many improvements in the Black Building. The Colony fixed up two family cabins at Camp Wilderness, bought tools for fixing scout trail, gun and archery set, wood for old kitchen table with benches, helped with kitchen steam table, salad bar and a warming food cart. The colony furnished enough material to fix three old bathrooms, picnic tables for the courtyard, cement for the Ham Radio Tower and canapés for the barbecue pit out back of the dining hall. One of the big projects was to fix up the old shower stall bath house into a Cabin for people to stay in; it’s now called the Silver Beaver Colony cabin. The last project we did was to build two carpetball tables for the courtyard. (Grand Forks, ND)
Dave Day (2020)
Dave has been a great supporter at Camp Wilderness. He served as Quartermaster last summer, on short notice, for several weeks and will be full time QM for the summer of 2020. Dave has served as Campmaster (winter) multiple times and served as Scoutmaster in Morris, MN. He and his family, along with numerous volunteers, rebuilt the Fox Cabin, including the covered deck in honor of his son (Eagle Scout).
Dave was able to obtain items needed for fuel storage at camp over the years including tanks, hoses, handles, for the Ranger’s maintenance yard as well as at the fishing dock. He was the lead for the construction of the cub camp docks. Dave also provided, and installed, the new steel top for the workbenches at the QM shop.
Dave is also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. (Morris, MN)
Pa-Hin Lodge (2020)
I am pleased to nominate Pa-Hin Lodge (Order of the Arrow) and its predecessor lodges (TeePee/ Chan-O-Wapi, Chatoka, Minniduta and Thunderbird), for the 2020 Northern Lights Camps Alumni Achievement Award. Pa-Hin Lodge members have contributed over 250,000 hours of service into Northern Lights Council Camps. 250,000 hours of service? Here’s an example of why that is probably a conservative number:
Taking just one portion of that- from 1940 until 1980, there were 4 separate lodges (Thunderbird starting in 1948), operating in the NLC area. The largest of the 4, Minniduta Lodge/Tribe (1977-80), held 2 conclaves every year- first at Camp Shawondasee, then over to Camp Wilderness in the mid 1940’s. During this time all able-bodied workers participated in work projects (or kitchen help). In the 60’s and 70’s it was not uncommon to have over 200 at the Spring Conclave and over 400 in the fall-600 a year at Camp Wilderness. Then take a conservative estimate of 5 hours of work per weekend per member. Average 500 members (2 conclaves) x 40 years x 5 hours =100,000. So, that 100,000 does NOT count other large portions of Pa-Hin’s service such as Chan-O-Wapi, Chatoka and Thunderbird’s contributions to their camps pre- 1980, plus ALL of Pa-Hin’s activity from 1980-2020.
Brantner, Heart Butte, Metigoshe, Wabaunaquat and Wilderness have all benefited from Spring Conclave, Summer Camp and Fall Conclave work projects. At Camp Wilderness alone, the Waterfront steps (and the first 2 rebuilds) were OA projects. And cutting wood for Winter Camp (another era) and establishing and clearing trails. Then constructing, repairing and painting of buildings, shelters, toboggan slides, rafts, doors, windows, cabins, camp vehicles, chapels, boats and fencing for horses. Also planting tens of thousands of trees. Spring dock and raft install and fall removal (prior to 1995). And on and on and on and on. And on.
In addition, the OA has been one of the most generous financial entities to camps by directly contributing tens of thousands (and in corresponding grants) to countless projects. Some of these structures (both $ and labor) at Wilderness include the Sky Dome Observatory and the Bog Walk. They have also donated boats and other equipment as well. They also make an annual donation to the Council foundation, which directly benefits the camps.
And of course Pa-Hin Lodge has directly motivated scouts to sign-up for summer camp due to compelling camp promotion presentations by lodge members.
For the reason’s above, I suggest that Pa-Hin Lodge gets consideration for the Alumni Award. (ND, MN, MT, SD)
(ND, MN, MT, SD)
Ordien Bently (2021)
Andy Kietzman (2022)
Willem Schrage (2022)
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